Apply for a temporary identity card

You can apply for a temporary ID card under the following conditions:

• You have German citizenship
• You are registered in Germany
• You do not have a valid identity card
• You urgently need a valid identity document.

The person for whom the document is to be issued must appear in person when applying. This also applies to minors.

• Biometric digital passport photo: taken on site at the authority or by a registered domestic photo service provider (photographer)
• old identity document, regardless of whether it is valid or has already expired:
  • old identity card or passport
  • old child passport
• if no old identity card or passport is available:
  • Birth certificate
• For children under 16:
  • custodial parent:
    • Valid identification document (identity card or passport) from each parent
    • if only one custodial parent is present: declaration of consent from the custodial parent who is not present and a copy of their ID card
  • with only one custodial parent:
    • Valid identification document (identity card or passport)
    • Proof of custody

In individual cases, it may be necessary to submit further documents (e.g. to prove marital status or nationality).
If you have any doubts about which documents to bring, we advise you to contact us by telephone on 06781-64 3800

• § Section 9 Act on Identity Cards and Electronic Proof of Identity (Identity Card Act - PAuswG)
• ID card and eID card fee ordinance

The following information is available:

• The temporary ID card is an exception; it is valid for a maximum of 3 months and is not intended to replace a regular ID card on a long-term basis or through successive, repeated applications. Identity cards must meet high security standards, including a storage and processing medium for the photo and fingerprints. The temporary identity card does not have this feature.
• You can apply for both the temporary and the new, regular ID card at the same time while in Germany, but you are not required to do so.
• You cannot apply for a temporary identity card at German diplomatic missions abroad.
• If your ID card is stolen or lost, you must report it to the police or an ID card issuing authority, such as city hall or the citizens' office.

• Consent Form: Identification Document for Minors